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CHCI-Solomón P. Ortiz Scholarship Endowment Fund

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Maria Murillo -- November 2010

Maria MurilloHometown: Chicago, ILSchool: DePaul UniversityMajor: BS, Accounting & FinanceWhat field of study do you intend to pursue if you receive the CHCI Scholarship?

Ever since I was little, the business world has always fascinated me. I loved playing around with numbers and found myself creating and solving a math problem on any piece of paper I could find. Even as a young girl, I knew I wanted to grow up and work with numbers.

During high school I started exploring different careers and fell in love with accounting. I decided that I would try my hardest to become a successful accountant. I had always wanted to go to college, but knew it would be difficult because my parents, who are immigrants, did not complete more than an elementary school education in Mexico. As the product of a low-income household, I've had to work hard for what I want.

How Has the Scholarship Changed Your Life?

Growing up my biggest dream was graduating from college, but I knew it was going to be hard. The little money that my parents earned all went to pay the bills and food. There was hardly any money left to save. I started to think that college was impossible, but then my high school counselor explained the different ways of how to help pay for college, scholarships being one of them. I looked online and soon realized that fulfilling my desire to attend college was easier than I believed.

The scholarship I received from CHCI has helped me in so many ways. For example, it has helped me attend a good school while keeping my student loans low. I will soon be out in the workforce as an accountant and I have CHCI to thank. My family and I are very grateful for organizations like CHCI that help make it possible for more minority students to earn a college degree.

CHCI is tax-exempt under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue code. Federal ID # 52-1114225. CHCI does not attempt to influence legislation and does not employ or retain any registered lobbyists. All grants and contributions to CHCI are tax deductible to the extent permitted by federal law. Donations to CHCI may also be made through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) 30620.